UNSW Cell Biology

ANAT3231 Lecture 08 Extracellular Matrix

Introduction

Outside of the cell is the extracellular matrix (ECM). This matrix, even from a basic list of its components; proteins,
glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and many other large and small biological
molecules, can been seen as complex. Furthermore there is no one specific
ECM with great variation from tissue to tissue and also specific functional specializations. The lecture will attempt therefore
to only cover a few key concepts on this topic.

The lecture slides and textbook alone contain enough
information as an introduction to the subject for this level
of study. If you are interested in further reading, I have
also included below links to more detailed textbooks with
further information and images. Please note this additional
information is not necessarily examinable, but may be useful
if you have not previously studied biology. The link below
to lecture slides allows you to open and view the slides in
your web browser or download the PDF document for later
viewing/printing.

Objectives

Understand the role of the extracellular matrix

Understand the components of the extracellular matrix

Understand the structure and synthesis of collagen fibers

Brief understanding of proteoglycan structure and function

Brief understanding of fibronectin and lamin structure and function

Lecture Slides

Link to lecture slides allows you to open and view the slides in your web
browser or download the PDF document for later viewing/printing.